Search the Community

I am glad you both are posting again, it is good to see "old timers". I have noticed that when I lose wt my body settles in for a readjustment period then something inside tells me to start trying again. I was down to 117 and loving it when I had horrible reflux and esophagitis and ended up being unfilled for nearly 6 months and having to get a hiatal hernia repair and my lap band repositioned because my stomach had slipped up and over the band in 3 places. As you can see from my ticker I regained 20 pounds wich really bothers me. I am getting restriction back very slowly but the scale is not moving in any meaningful way. Then I realized I had stopped gaining which was a miracle. Now, like you both I am rededicating myself to getting back on the band wagon....when I took an honest look at my calories I was shocked at how many slider foods and liquid calories I had gotten used to while my stomach was so sensitive and giving me fits. I wish us all the best of luck and hope you all keep posting. Mimi

Perhaps your calorie intake is too low? I don't go below 1200/day. I'm not preaching but I think trying to get some sort of exercise going may spark a boost in metabolism. That's what I'd try...eat a little more and exercise more, even if it's just walking around the block.

There's always McD's french fries, homemade bread and butter, and chocolate sundaes. LOL Kidding:) Tealael's advice is spot on....take your food journal and go see your doc and nutritionist. You might just need to up your calories, but something else might be going on, too. Best to get some help investigating what's going on and get some safe solid answers. Let us know what you find out. Good luck!

Congratulations on your great success! Check out the following article: http://www.builtlean.com/2012/05/22/weight-loss-plateau/ Also, there are quite a few topics on this forum covering stalls. Understanding that stalls are normal and the weight loss slows as you get closer to your goal weight, check your daily calories, exercise, and carbs. You might be eating more than you thought or perhaps exercising less than before. The magic timeline that I've read several time is that a typical stall lasts for UP to six weeks. If you haven't started losing again after six weeks, then look more closely at your food quality intake and exercise. I just got out of my first stall since surgery almost two months ago. The stall was just under a month. I had started eating a bit more (still under 1000 cals a day), but exercise was about the same. I just started losing again this week.

I don't do any Protein shakes. I am eating solids for 3 meals and one snack a day. Breakfast can be Cereal (high protein) and milk, or hot cereal (high protein), or weight watchers smart ones breakfast sandwich, or egg beaters omelet. lunch is usually egg, chicken or tuna salad with crackers (wheat thins, melba toast, pita chips). Sometimes I'll have leftover protein from dinner the night before. Snack between lunch and dinner (usually 3) is laughing cow baby bell cheese or 100 calorie blue diamond almonds or cottage cheese. Dinner is 3-4 oz of protein (93% ground beef, chicken parts or cutlets, pork chops or tenderloin etc) with a veggie and a little carbs. We eat in way more than we eat out. If Im running and need a quick "meal" on the go I always have a Pure Protein Chewy chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter bar...20 grams of protein for one...low in sugar too. No eating occurs after dinner...not hungry and not really looking for anything. Thats what I'm eating these days and it is working for me and I am enjoying what I'm consuming and feeling good! Hope that helps.

I'm freaking out because I'm eating less that 1300 calories right now, and I'm back at my high bounce from 146 to 152. I'm really freaked out about it. I really don't work out but try to walk some.

Hello there I am 4 months post op and I usually eat about 800 calories a day. I'm sure I could consume more if I made bad choices in food. The thing I would ask you is 900-1600 that is a huge range. Usually people have a range of 100-200 calories. What is it that is causing you to have such a difference in calorie intake?? You say you are not eating breads, which is good, but are you consuming high calorie proteins?? I try to focus on having lean protein which is usually lower in calories. Are you on mfp?? I would like to know what your daily consumption is. I found myself eating a lot of cheese, which can be high calorie, so Iimit my cheese intake.

I have been stuck at 123kilos (270 pounds) for about 9 days. Using myfitnesspal.com to track calories and exercising as instructed. My scales were staying as still as a deer in headlights. Have not been to upset as I have been losing inches and my clothes are fitting better. Today I got on the scale expecting the same results. Ugh???? Are the scales broken? Has old age finally hit my eyes? Do I need to see the doc about glasses??? I screamed at my husband to come downstairs. (He is a workout aholic and does not need to lose weight however he weighs in with me twice a week as support) He came downstairs and I pointed at the weigh in chart on the wall so that he could see his previous weight. (yep a wall chart that we record our weight on each weigh in. For me visibility is everything) I pushed him on the scales. He was exactly the same as last week. He looked at my crazed eyes and didn't say a thing. (smart man!!) He watched as I stepped on the scales.... 118.3 kilos (roughly 260 pounds)!!!!! Ugh? Is that even possible? We then weighed the dog. She had been to the vet last week so her weight was recorded on her exit papers. Yep she weighed close to the weight on her papers!! 10 pounds in 9 days? Have I lost the plot? Is it even possible? I don't care. I was so excited I immediately came on here and added it to my tracker. I am going to weigh in tomorrow despite it not being weigh in day just to see if it changes. For now my tracker shows the new weight. 48 pounds lost!! Things that weigh 48 pounds: a 15-foot canoe a 4-year-old child an average human leg a 13 inch television six gallons of Water

Weigh yourself daily and if you need to add calories to maintain weight towards the end add extra protein shakes or healthy calories so you don't slip into bad habits. Add calories in that are things like you will be eating after surgery. You can do this!

Hey y'all... sorry for the late reply I don't get on here nearly as much as I did pre-banding! Yes the price is still 15,300. They accept care credit which you can apply for online. Although their interest rate is ridiculously high! I had my surgery 4/14 my highest weight was 380lb. Its been almost 4 mts I'm currently at 335lbs. Most my weight dropped off in the first 6 weeks. (That honeymoon period where I was truly on top of my diet/excercise!) Now I lose about 1-2lb a week WITHOUT much actual effort. I did plataeu at 342 for 2 weeks though. (Vacation!) I've had 2 fills. Should be on my 3rd but I skipped one last month because I went to the Bahamas. (Ps: yes the band tightens on airplanes- awful cramps!) Anyways I'm going in this Weds for my 3rd fill. I already have a bit of restriction. I eat half as much as I use to but still can eat more than I should be. As you'll read it'll take time to find your sweet spot. The short of it is: yes its expensive but its worth it. I survived it with no infections, mistakes or a padded bill. It was a flat rate for the procedure & a year of visits- no matter how often or little you schedule an appointment. And yes I would recommend them! If you're like I was and looking for particulars, here's my personal experience... My surgeon was Dr. Martinez, he's a really calm & thorough surgeon. Albeit the center can be a bit unorthodox... the director practically lives there & he had the habit of calling me at odd hours (as late as 11pm) to check if I was coming for an appointment the next day. All the staff is friendly. If you're self pay it will all go pretty quick. Basically you'll get it as soon as you want it. Only 1 week of pre op dieting, which is suppose to consist of liquids only (although they say if you must cheat eat low fat, low carb items once a day but absolutely NOTHING 12hours pre op.) Protein shakes (even slim fast ultra) is approved with their nutritionist. And yes these are the hardest weeks you'll face: the 1 week pre-op & 1st week post op. You'll do all your pre op testing right there at the center, took about 2-3hours. Keep in mind its all about the $ when you're self pay so consult your own physician also about getting the band & under going a surgery- especially if you have health conditions (namely heart issues or diabetes) because you will not get a stress test from the banding center. Stress tests are required by insurance companies becuz they help foresee any complications but self pay they're not as concerned since its on your dime. I never took blood pressure meds before but during & immediately post op my BP was off the charts- (a sometime common side effect of the trauma of surgery & also anesthesia) so much so they almost didn't send me home. Luckily they did because a transfer to a hospital & an over night stay without insurance coverage would have put me in debt! So know your health. Dr. Martinez did give me a 30day supply of BP meds to ensure I stablized ok at home & he also had me come in 1 week post op to check up. He did respond promptly to a phone call to his cellphone over that first weekend. The pain meds (liquid) did the job! They will tell you the procedure is 45mins to an hour but for me it was over 3 hours. He did fix a hiatal hernia he found for no extra charge. He says thats standard procedure if found. That was an awesome bonus becuz I have no heartburn anymore. I was there from 7am til 3pm. Was suppose to be from 7am-12pm. But they will keep you as long as they need to for no extra charges. Dr martinez is only there on Wed's so all surgeries & follow up fills -if he's your doctor, will be on a Weds. First week post op was not so bad. Yes there's some pain & definate cramping from the CO2 he puts in. The 2nd day post op was the worst for me. I couldn't sleep because the port incision was very tender. (Have help at home!) Don't let the first day fool you- you're still full of the good drugs & can't feel the full effect yet. But it IS bearable. I was not hungry for days post op. The hernia repair he explained caused the bulk of my discomfort so if you get only the band it should go smoother for you. I recommened always holding in or using a pillow or something as a splint when getting up or turning over in bed becuz the port incision is soo tender when disturbed early on. At first my scars were small & light then they darkend by week 4. But they're not huge & you keep the bandages on til your first follow up in 2 weeks. Fills: he does your first fill 6weeks post op. He doesn't bend on that rule. For me my first one was easy. Its not painful- he will numb you first & he explains what he's doing. His assistant is nice & keeps you distracted. Second fill for me was harder. I had a lot of scar tissue & he had trouble sticking it just right. Luckily you don't feel anything except pressure. He won't let you leave if you have discomfort swallowing Water. So I've never had a throw up episode. I have experienced a slight & quick stuck feeling but that was my fault from eating too quickly. Everyone is different & tolerates pain differently but personally I was back to work in 1 week & I'm a nurse. I've seen some people out 2 or even 4 weeks but unless you're lifting all day I cannot fathom the need to stay out that long. Overall the band in the begining leaves A LOT up to you. You can eat a lot of things for the first few months- soda & ice cream for instance will always go down smooth. Its empty calories so things like this you must have the discipline to resist. Please have realitic expectations! I wached youtube videos pre banding & secretly expected to drop 50lbs in 8 weeks. Not gunna happen! The people with drastic results took drastic measures. I don't work out everyday. But I workout 3-4x a week. I DO eat out but I try to make better choices. The band has helped curb my appetite for at least 6-8hours even after a small meal. I have not been able to have "seconds" since banding so it does take some of the pressure off you. I hope this helps answer your questions & relieve some anxiety because clearly from my original post I know how you all feel. My only regret is not doing it sooner! Good luck ladies & keep in touch!

It's been 6 months since my original gastric bypass, which I then had reversed to a sleeve about three months ago. I still cannot eat without vomiting and pain. Sometimes, some days, I can do yogurt or a pretzel. I sometimes can handle cheese and Soups. But there are many days I can't. I haven't had more than 300 calories a day in six months. With the sleeve everything hurts and feels like it gets stuck and I have to make myself throw up to feel better. Anyone else experiencing an inability to advance their diet at three months?

I have seen a lot of places have a skinny margaritas now and I get those often. Some are sugar free some are made with a small amount of agave nectar but they are low calorie.

I weigh 255 but at my highest I was at 260. I even called his office again and asked and they so no preop. I just was so afraid at my weight of a huge liver and getting NO band. But I think you are all right. I feel horrible. I don't want to feel this weigh for surgery. I went out to feed the dog this morning came in wiping sweat and about passed out. I have very low blood sugar my who life anyway. So, I think I will just watch what I eat and try to reduce my caloried instead of the just liquids. Thank you all for always being there for all of us. Yes, we're leaving in just 2 days and funny is leaving tomorrow. Surgery same day. Pray for us. Love you all. Sherri

How funny, I baked an apple just last week-end. I used i can't believe it's not butter spray (no calories) and Splenda mixed with cinn. It was really good and no calories except the apple.

Hey 18! It's a hard decision that you need support for with your parents. I played so many sports in High Svhool and was in good shape but my 20's of late night partying, drinking, and eating caught up with my inactive after Hugh school self. I had great fun in my 20's gaining a ton of weight I was 24 at the time and i did manage with a healthy lifestyle, diet, calorie counting and exercise to lose 50lbs I was single, took double classes at the gym and was at the gym 7 days a week!!!! It took a lot of work but lost weight to where I felt good about myself and was fit. I then got together with my husband and eating was the fun thing we did. We enjoyed Wayy tooo much eating lol Here I am at 36 and I am 80lbs heavier than that 24 year old who lost all that weight. I have 2 amazing children and I'm a teacher so full time job and I don't have 2 hrs a day 7 days to be in a gym. I still have my husband but we are being active and both changing our unhealthy lifestyle. For me getting this surgery has helped me want to live and be fit for my kids. The point in my whole life story here, if you feel you can diet and exerciser and lose this weight you should give it a try. If you find in a year you are having trouble staying on a diet and exercise program Then join weight watchers and Definitly get a support buddy because diet and exercise must be a part of the banded life or no band. Obviously that's the key to this whole thing.... Meaning life... Drink your water, exercise, the band will take care of portion control. I wish you luck!! I don't think at 18 I couldve done it! I do know most people say "I wish I had done this surgery soon" final thoughts, I spent my 20's eating and my 30's miserable from bring overweight and allowing it to spiral out of control. I can't go back in time, I can only move forward and I am destined for success, I wish you the same on your journey...in life!! :-)

I always have the chobani yogurt but it has alot of carbs 19g and 160 calories with 14g protein any ideas and anyone have an idea how many carbs allowed per day , to lose weight

Please don't think I'm being rude, but why not? I go out a lot. I don't drink as much anymore when I go out..... Only bc I don't like "drinking my calories." I did have a margarita twice this week bc it's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans, where I live. I just made sure to exercise a little extra those two days. I do eat out quite often. I mean, I have to eat, so what's the difference if I eat at home or in a restaurant. The one thing I do differently is that I check out the menu on line before I go so that I can pre plan what I will order. Live with your surgery. Enjoy your life. That's why I had the surgery...., so I could live again!!!!

My surgeon begrudgingly told me a glass of wine would be okay here and there. I drink about every other weekend. Like she said before me, you just have to consider how many calories you are pouring down the hatch. Check with your surgeon again. He may have some reason in your health history or medications that he may not want you to mix with alcohol.

It's phentermine. It's been around forever and a safe drug for the most part but can only be used temporarily and can make you jittery. One thing about more exercise. Yes it does make you hungrier when you do a lot. That's normal. You may need to eat more not less when you exercise harder. Sometimes we stall because caloric intake too low. Also as for diet I notice if I keep sugar grams under 25g the weight can fly off. Of course I can't always keep so low because sugar seems to be everywhere but I can usually keep it under 40g and it makes a big difference. I also lean towards the high fat low sugar eating. Not low carb overall (I eat Beans and nuts that increase carbs up there) but my diet is about 40-50% fat! Mostly good fats in real food like nuts and cheese and the like but the higher fat diet works for me. You may want to change up yours. When I eat fat I have plenty of calories to support vigorous exercise too.

how many calories do you think you consume?

yes, you need to find the balance. Where your body doesn't think you are starving. Lots of people I know add 200 calories when they stop losing so their body doesn't go into starvation mode. If it works for you do it. Funny how the body adjusts because at 1200 calories you'd think the weight would fall off!

It really does depending on which type of diet you follow. Most of them do work. The big question is which one are you most likely to stick with. Which one suits you best? Fat and carbs do not mix. If you use a low fat, calorie restriction diet then you need to really watch those fat calories. You depend on only higher carbs and lower fat to lose the weight and maintain healthy eating. But if you do a low carb diet -- you eat more fat and the whole fats work better on a low carb diet than low fat foods do. There are now MANY major well respected studies that show that low carb is every bit as healthy (and in some cases even MORE effective) for a host of diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) and blood work indicators as low fat diets. You just can't have it both ways. If you are going to eat quite a few carbs -- cut fat. If you eat fat--watch your carbs.

Unless you're immobile, your resting metabolic rate is almost certainly above 1200. If your body burns more calories than it consumes, you will lose weight. The tricky part is that your body can and will consume muscle tissue for energy 'as needed' -- which is what 'starvation mode' is about. Protein is super important, but it is even more critical that you consume enough in your diet while restricting to lose weight so that you're losing fat and not muscle. A person who is trying to maintain their weight needs approximately a half gram of protein per day per pound of body weight. But when your body is operating on a limited calorie budget, 1.5 to 2 times that is needed to ensure that your muscle mass is maintained. And the more muscle you have, the more calories your body burns daily even without exercise, which is a beautiful thing if you ask me.

Aw thanks! Can't wait now! 16 sleeps and counting! Glad you had a good experience, from the sounds of it I have made a good choice. How are you now a few years on? does it just become a way of life? alot of people on here seem to be obsessed with the food and the calories and the protien and Vitamins and the blah, blah, blah... do you know what I mean??? Kate x

I was sleeved 7/23/2013 and am diabetic too! Weight is coming off slowly, but I have to be very cautious with carbs and sugars. My weightloss has improved since going back on my meds (metformin, 500mg 2x daily) and I'm exercising 5 days a week now. I try to eat lots of protein and usually drink a protein shake for breakfast. I eat fish, turkey, chicken but no beef. Snacks consist of string cheese, almonds and SF pudding. (sometimes beef jerky). Eating between 600- 800 calories per day, but I feel hungry a lot too. May increase protein this week.